New Docuseries Exposes Toxic Work Environment on Bob Barker's The Price is Right
A new docuseries has unveiled shocking allegations about the behind-the-scenes culture of the iconic daytime game show The Price is Right, accusing the late host Bob Barker of fostering a toxic work environment. The third installment of E!'s Dirty Rotten Scandals features interviews with former models, known affectionately as "Barker's Beauties," and production staffers who describe a pattern of harassment and misconduct that persisted for years.
Models Detail Harassment and Ineffective Policies
Former models Kathleen Bradley and Holly Hallstrom spoke candidly about the difficulties they faced while working on the show. Bradley recalled that initially, the atmosphere seemed friendly, but over time, she noticed male crew members openly staring and gawking at the female models. In response to complaints, CBS reportedly instituted a 10-second rule, prohibiting anyone from staring at a model for more than ten seconds. However, Hallstrom dismissed this as a mere appeasement, stating that no one monitored the rule, and it was treated as a joke to silence complaints.
Producers Allege Sexual Assault and Escalating Tensions
The toxic culture extended beyond the on-camera talent to include production staff. Barbara Hunter, a producer who started in the mid-1970s, recounted an incident where a man sexually assaulted her in an elevator, forcing her to push him away. She described developing instincts to handle such situations, highlighting the pervasive nature of the misconduct. Tensions reportedly escalated when rumors spread about Barker having an affair with model Dian Parkinson while dating his girlfriend, leading to fights, yelling, and a destructive atmosphere on set that some believe ultimately harmed the show.
Accusations of Racism and Discriminatory Practices
Model Claudia Jordan added to the allegations by describing experiences of racism on the show. She claimed that producer Phil Wayne made racially insensitive comments, such as referring to her as the "ass model" based on stereotypes about Black women. Jordan also alleged that staffers were instructed to look for stereotypical Black contestants in the audience, and that a policy limited the number of Black contestants to two at a time, with a letter "B" marked on cards to alert Barker. She recounted instances where Barker would shrink away from Black contestants attempting to hug him, further illustrating the discriminatory environment.
The docuseries paints a troubling picture of a beloved television institution, challenging the public perception of Bob Barker's legacy and raising important questions about workplace culture in the entertainment industry. These revelations come after Barker's passing in August 2023 at age 99, adding a poignant layer to the ongoing discussion about accountability and change in Hollywood.
